Large budget dc skimmers

[jmp103086]

Recommendations on budget DC skimmers for 220g FOWLR tank? So far aquamaxx hasa couple offerings that would work like the DFC-280 and icecap has the K3-200. All can be had when shopping for deals between $300-$400.

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

Recommendations on budget DC skimmers for 220g FOWLR tank? So far aquamaxx hasa couple offerings that would work like the DFC-280 and icecap has the K3-200. All can be had when shopping for deals between $300-$400.

I would go with a Simplicity 320.

Simplicity 320DC Protein Skimmer

The Simplicity 320DC Protein Skimmer uses a controllable DC pump with a needle wheel; regarded as one of the best methods to shred air and water to create micro fine bubbles. These skimmers provide one of the keys to a successful protein skimminga long contact time between water and air.

www.marineandreef.com

 

[jmp103086]

I would go with a Simplicity 320.

Simplicity 320DC Protein Skimmer

The Simplicity 320DC Protein Skimmer uses a controllable DC pump with a needle wheel; regarded as one of the best methods to shred air and water to create micro fine bubbles. These skimmers provide one of the keys to a successful protein skimminga long contact time between water and air.

www.marineandreef.com

I like the simplicity and read good things but I would need the 540 I think. The 320 is only rated for 160g heavy bio load

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

I think this all depends on how heavy you expect your bioload to be. If you aren't sure then I would lean towards the smaller skimmer. A small skimmer will still skim if there is an extra heavy bioload but a large skimmer will stop skimming if there are not enough surfactants to build the foam head.

I totally get it if you know you are going to have a heavy bioload. I have 7 tangs plus some other fish in my 200-gallon and I need a very large skimmer.

 

[jda]

Get two. Two skim better than one and can be cheaper. I would look for old bodies and put Sicce PSK or Tunze Hydrofoamer pumps on them. The pumps don't need to be DC, but I guess that they can be if you want that.

Not all skimmer are the same. Cheap ones are not always worth it - get a good pump and proven body.

For example, I can install a pair of older ASM G4 skimmers with new Sicce PSK pumps that will destroy the output of anything that BubbleKing, Reef Octopus or anybody else makes.

IME, good skimmer always skim if there is stuff to get out.